Rakuten Eagles Naoto Nishiguchi pitcher (29) trained in Okinawa Prefecture on March 13. The right-hander, who has been training with an eye toward becoming a starter, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "In the 2026 season, I want to be able to lead the team as a starter. pitcher

Last season was a breakthrough season. In 52 relief appearances, he went 3-1 with one save in 31 hold and ERA 1.07 innings pitched. 70 strike out and strike out in 50 2/3 innings pitched, his 12.43 earned-run average was one of the best in the league.

Last fall, he was selected for Samurai Japan and played a training match. The days spent with the talented players in the baseball world became a fulfilling time. "I felt that I had to emulate my attitude towards baseball and that even people younger than me had solid opinions, and I felt that I had to learn from them baseball.

He is also a candidate to be a member of Samurai Japan for the WBC to be held this spring. He is currently practicing with the balls that will be used in the WBC. "I think there is a big difference between being selected and not being selected. I have a strong desire to be part of a great team, so if I am selected, I will continue to prepare so that I can produce solid results," he said emphatically.